MARKET CLASSES AND GRADES ()| LIVESTOCK J 7 
according to class for the same reason as that given for Veal Calves. 
Grade and weight are the important considerations in market practice. 
As the Calves grow older, however, more attention is given to segre- 
gations by classes, because as the animal nears the Yearling stage its 
sex characteristics develop and exert an increasing influence on both 
the animal and its carcass. (See Circular No. i ; .s. Market Classes 
and Grades of Calves and Vealers.) 
Market Classes and Grades for Feeder and Stocker Cattle 
and Calves 
Feeder and Stocker Cattle and Calves are those that show evidence 
of ability to grow and take on additional weight and finish and that 
are used or are to be used for feeding or fattening purposes. When 
such animals are to be used for slaughter, they automatically are clas- 
sified as Slaughter animals and are graded according to their respec- 
tive slaughter standards. 
The terms ''Feeder'* and '"Stocker" often are used synonymously 
and in combination. To this extent they have lost some of their 
original significance. 
Originally calves, yearlings, and thin older cattle capable of further 
growth before fattening were called Stockers. Older and thicker 
fleshed animals were used for immediate fattening purposes and were 
called Feeders. In recent years, a preference for small cuts of beef 
of high quality has encouraged the use of younger cattle as Feeders. 
The original significance of the terms, however, has not been wholly 
lost. Stocker Cattle are generally those that are used for further 
growth and weight development. Feeder Cattle are those that are 
used for rapid fattening by intensive feeding. 
The classes for Feeder and Stocker Cattle are : Steer, Heifer, Cow, 
Bull, and Stag. The classes for Feeder and Stocker Calves are : 
Steer. Heifer, and Bull. While the classes of young Calves intended 
for slaughter are relatively insignificant as a basis of values, they are 
important considerations when the Calves are used for Feeder and 
Stocker purposes. Heifers when fed along with steers of the same 
grade usually are finished in shorter periods of time and at lighter 
weights than steers. Bull calves, as a rule, are not used as Feeders 
because castration involves extra trouble and risk of loss. 
The market values of Feeder and Stocker Cattle generally vary with 
the different age groups. It is the common market practice, therefore, 
to classify Feeder and Stocker Cattle, especially steers and heifers, 
according to the following general age groups: Calves, Yearlings, 
2- Year-Olds, and older. Feeder and Stocker cows, bulls, and stags 
rarely are grouped and sold according to ages. 
Uniform weights within specified age groups of Feeder and Stocker 
Cattle are important to cattle feeders because uniformity of age and 
weight, as a rule, determines the uniformity of the weight and uni- 
formity in the appearance and frequently in the grade of the cattle 
when they are finished. Furthermore, experienced cattlemen can 
estimate with a fair degree of accuracy the time and quantity of feed 
required to finish animals of approximately uniform ages and weights. 
Therefore, the grouping of Feeder and Stocker Cattle according to 
approximately similar weights is a common market practice. 
